Mechanism control



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Dec. 13, 1960 R. s. HlNsEY MECHANISM CONTROL Filed June 11., 195e 4Sheets-Sheet l INVENTOR.

.Fugger 5. HTNSEK Dec. 13, 1960 R. s. HlNsEY 2,963,920

MECHANISM CONTROL Filed June 11, 1956 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 "Wil ITE-5INVETOR: HUBERT E Hmsf'y.

BY C

Dec. 13, 1960 R. s. HlNsEY 2,963,920

MECHANISM CONTROL Filed June l1, 1956 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 274 ZM 266 267f6? INVENTOR.'

2 Eme/ERT 5. HINSEY.

Deen 13, 1960. R. s. HINSEY 2,963.920

MECHANISM CONTROL Filed June 11, 1956 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 l I 506 324{gij/,5,07 554 Fili-1Q' @iA/5M 3 'fg ,3T-5w IE Z [I 1255,31; jW-TmwUnited States arent 2,963,920 j MacHANrsM coNrRoL Robert S. Hinsey,Toledo, hio, assignor, by mesne assignments, to The Bingham-HerbrandCorporation, a corporation of 'Ohio Filed June 11, 1956, Ser. N0.590,506

Claims. (Ci. T4-531) This invention relates to mechanism control devicesand more especially to means or mechanism for actuating or controllingthe parking or emergency brake mechanism of a vehicle.

The invention embraces the provision of a foot operated lever or pedalconstruction embodying a lever retaining means or clutch of a characternormally eiective for retaining the lever or pedal construction in anyposition of adjustment and which may be readily released when desired.

An object of the invention resides in the provision of a foot operatedlever or pedal arrangement especially adapted for use as a parking brake`actuator for the vehicle and embodying means for normally retaining thelever or pedal construction in an adjusted or brakesetting position in'combination with manually operable means for rendering the lever orpedal retaining means ineiective when it is desired to utilize the leveror pedal construction as a service brake.

Another object of the invention is the provision of a foot operatedlever arrangement for actuating vehicle brakes embodying lever retainingmeans in combination with cam means for controlling or releasing thelever retaining means.

Another object of the invention is the provision of a foot operatedbrake actuating lever or means incorporating a clutch or lever retainingmeans in conjunction with a manually operable means movable to aposition rendering the clutch or lever retaining means ineffective tohold the lever in an adjusted position, the arrangement includingresilient means associated with the manually operated control means forresiliently biasing the clutch or lever retaining means toward eiectiveor pedal retaining position.

Another object of the invention resides in the provision of a controlmember equipped with a manipulating knob or button manually movable totwo positions `for rendering a brake actuator retaining means effectiveor ineffective as may be desired.

Another object of the invention is the provision of a manual control fora parking brake retaining clutch or lever retaining means which may beinexpensively manufactured and which may be mounted on the instrumentpanel of the vehicle or which may be supported independently of theinstrument puel.

Further objects and advantages are within the scope of this inventionsuch as relate to the arrangement, operation and function of the relatedelements of the structure, to various details of construction and tocombinations of parts, elements per se, and to economies of manufacture-and numerous other features as will be apparent from a consideration ofthe specification and drawing of a form of the invention which may bepreferred, in which:

Figure 1 is an elevational view partly in section showing a portion of`an operators compartment of a vehicle illustrating one form of theinvention installed in the vehicle;

Figure 2 is `an enlarged elevational view of the upper Patented Dec..13, 1960 2 portion of the lever or pedal arrangement shown in Figure 1;

Figure 3 is a sectional View taken substantially on the line 3--3 ofFigure 2;

Figure 4 is a detailed sectional view illustrating a form of manualcontrol means of the invention;

Figure 5 is an elevational view partly in section illustrating anotherform of means for controlling the clutch or retaining means of the pedalconstruction;

Figure 6 is a view similar to Figure 5 illustrating the position of thecontrol means when the clutch mechanism ofthe pedal arrangement is heldin released position;

Figure 7 is a transverse sectional view taken substantially on the line7 7 of Figure 6;

Figure 8 is a fragmentary elevational view illustrating another form ofmanual control means for the clutch or pedal retaining means;

Figure 9 is a sectional view taken substantially on the line 9 9 ofFigure 8;

Figure 10 is a fragmentary elevational view illustrating another form ofclutch mechanism control means of the invention;

Figure l1 is a transverse sectional view taken substantially on the line11-11 of Figure 10;

Figure 12 is an elevational view of the upper portion Y of amodification of brake actuating pedal construction showing another formof manually operable means for controlling the clutch mechanism of thepedal construction;

Figure 13 is a longitudinal sectional View illustrating details of themanual control means shown in Figure 12;

Figure 14 is an enlarged yfragmentary view of a portion of the mechanismshown -in Figure 13;

Figure l5 is a transverse sectional view taken substantially on the line15-15 of Figure 14;

Figure 16 is a view similar to Figure 14 showing the manual controlmeans in clutch releasing position;

Figure 17 is a transverse sectional view taken substantially on the line17-17 of Figure 16;

-Figure 18 is an elevational view of the upper portion of a pedal orlever construction showing `another form of manual control means for theclutch mechanism of the lever;

Figure 19 is a fragmentary view taken substantially on the line 19-19 ofFigure 18, and

Figure 2O is a detailed view partly in section of the manual controlmeans embodied in the arrangement shown in Figure 18.

While I have shown the control mechanism of my invention as embodied ina vehicle for actuating or controlling the emergency or parking brakes,it is to be understood that I contemplate the utilization of myinvention with Iany apparatus where it may be found to be adaptable.

Referring to the drawings in detail and initially to Figure 1, there isillustrated a portion of an automotive vehicle adjacent the operatorscompartment. The portion of the vehicle illustrated includes aninstrument panel 10, a `cowl portion 12 of the vehicle, a windshield 14and a dashboard or tire wall 16.

The vehicle construction includes a steering post 17 and a steeringwheel 13 mounted upon the upper end of the post. A portion of the frameof the vehicle construction is illustrated as at Ztl, and secured to theframe portion 20 is a bracket 22 upon which is journalled a transverselyextending shaft 24.

FiXedly secured to the shaft 24 is a service brake pedal 25 having afoot pad portion 26. Fixedly secured on the shaft 24 is an arm 28 towhich is pivotally connected a clevis 29. A rod 30 is secured to theclevis 29 and is connected with brake mechanism (not shown) of thevehicle. The service brakes of the vehicle may be set by the operatordepressing the pedal 25 which rotates shaft 24 and arm 28 exerting `alongitudinal pull in a lefthand direction as viewed in VFigure l uponthe rod 30 to lsetthe-brakes ofthevehicle. f I I YIn the embodimentillustrated, the mechanism control of the invention embraces anauxiliary pedal type mechanism particularly 'adaptable for settingbrakemechanism of a vehicle for parking or emergency purposes. ln theembodiment illustrated, the mechanism control of the invention isconnected with the same vehicle brake mechanism adapted to be actuatedbythe service' pedal 25, but in certain vehicle installations, theemergency or parking brakes may he independently connectedV directlywith the parking brake control mechanism. V M In the embodiment shown inFigure l, the'v shaft '24 also supports an arm 32 which is keyed on theshaft. The distal end of the arm 32 is provided with a pin 34 whichextends into an elongated slot 35 formed Vin a member 36. The member36is connected to one end of a flexible cable 38 which is encased withinasheath 40 and is slidably disposed therein A. contractile coil spring 42is connected yat one end with a pin 43 carried by the frame 20 of thevehicle, the other end of the spring being connected to a pin or member44 secured to the member 36. Y

The contractile spring 42 normally urges-or biasesV the member 36 towardbrake releasing position i.e. in a right hand direction `as. viewed inFigure l. Depression of the pedal lever 25 to set the service brakesofthe vehicle causes relative movement of the pin 34 in the slot 35without affecting the position of member 36.

The emergency or parking brake mechanism control of the invention isinclusive of a support or bracket 48 arranged or adapted to be fixedlysecured to and carried by a support or member 56 by means of securingscrews S1. The member 50 may be iixedly secured to asuitable portion ofthe vehicle as, for example, the dashboard or lire wall 16 by means ofbolts 53.

The upper end zone of the cable 38 is provided with a clevis 45 which isconnected bymeans of `a pin 46 extending through openings formed in Wallportions of the lever member or construction 55. The sheath 40,enclosing the major portion of the cable 38, extends through a rubbergrommet 46 contained in an opening in the dashboard or firewall 16. Theupper end Zone of the sheath 4G is secured to the lever support 48 bymeans of a suitable clamp 47. Y

The lever member or arrangement 55 for actuating the parking oremergency brakes of the vehicle is of the pedal operated type V.having afoot pad portion 57. The lever construction 55 is of the rst order oflevers and is fulerumed orpivotally supported intermediate its ends uponthe bracket 48 by a stub shaft Vor rivet 59. The

lever construction 55, in the embodiment illustrated, is preferablyYformed .of sheet metalcomprising substantially matched sections orstampingsV and 61.

The portions of thestampings or matched sections below the fulcrum orpivot pin 59 are kformed lwith inwardly extending ilangesV 63 which,when assembled, are in abutting relation as indicated at 65 in Figure 3.The `abutting flange portions of the lever body sections may be weldedtogether to form an integral construction, and the foot pad portion 57welded or otherwise iixedly secured tothe lower extremities of thesections Y6i? and The upper `region of the lever body is formed withparallel side walls 67 and 68which straddie a unip-lanar portion 69 ofthe support 4S. The upper wall portions 71 and 72 of the lever sectionsare spaced apart a greater distance than the portions 67 and 68 as shownin Figure 3. Extending through openings in the Wall portions 71 and 72is a .stub shaft or rivet 7 4 upon which is journalled acylindricalsleeve or bushing 76, the end zones of which extend into the openingsformed inthe portions 71`and.72. .p

' The sleeve' or bushing 76 forms an' abutment for direct engagementwith the lower curved surface of an arcuately shaped bar or member 78forming an element of the clutch construction. One end of the bar 78 isformed with `an enlarged circular head portion 79, as shown in Figure 2,which is snugly received in a suitable opening formed in the planarportion 69 of the support 48. v

As shown inFigure 2, thev opening receiving the circular head portion 79of the bar is greater than a semicircle providing Va restricted throat'through which the curved portion of the bar 78 extends, facilitatinglimited pivotal movement of the bar 78 aboutthe Vfaxis of the headportion V79 butpreventing disassembly thereof from the planar portion69. Washers or discs 81 are disposed at each side of the planar portion69 and are joined by means of a rivet 82 to prevent lateral displacementof the bar 78.

As shownr in Figure .3, the wall portions 71 and 72 are provided with.suitableV openings 84 tov accommodate shoulder portions 85 formed on alever retaining means, clutch or clutch roller 86. The periphery oftheclutch roller 86 is arranged for direct engagement or contact with theupper curved surface of the bar 78, the upper surface forming aclutching region or area cooperating with the roller 86. Y Y

The upper regions of the openings 84 are fashioned with generallyrectangular zones within which is snugly fitted a rectangularly-shapedhardened abutmentA block or member 88, theV lower surface 89 ofwhich/forms a clutching surface also in direct engagement withrtheperiphery of the clutch roller 86.V A s shown in Figure 2, the block 88is so arranged in the walls .71 and 72 of the lever construction thatthe clutching surface 89 thereof is angularly arranged with respect tothe general curvature Vof the arcuately shaped bar 78 whereby the roller86 is disposed between generally converging surfaces.

The clutchrollenin cooperation or wedging relation with thepclutchingsurfaces of the bar 78 and the block 88, serves to retain the levermember or construction 55 in ladjusted or brake-setting positions. Meansare provided fo-r actuating or controlling the movement of the clutchroller 86 into or out of lever retaining or clutching position. Theclutch controlling mechanism is Vinclusive of a control lever orV arm 92formed with a l|,.l shaped portion providing parallel wall portions 94and 95 arranged to straddle the upper portion of the lever constructiondened by the walls 71 and 72 in the manner shown in Figure 3.

The parallel wall portions 94 and 9S of the clutch controlling memberare provided With openings accommodating ythe rivet or stub shaft 74whereby the clutch control lever or arm 92Vis pivotally supported orfulcrumed for movement about the axis of the stub shaft 74. The parallelside Walls 94 and 95 are provided with vertically arranged Vopen slots97 of a dimension to accommodate cylindrical tenons 99 integrally formedon` end zones of the clutch roller 86.

The tenons 99 are of a diameter to provide a sliding yet snug t betweenthe edges of the slot's97 so that substantially no lost motion existsbetween the peripheries of the tenons `and the edge Walls of the slots.Thus comparatively small pivotal movement of the manipulating arm 92about the axis of the stub shaft 74 will be suicient to move the clutchmember or roller86 into and out of clutching engagement with thesurfaces of the arcuate bar 78 and the block 88. The controlrnember 92is formed with a depending arm or portion 101 as an integral portion ofone of the walls 95. p

The arrangement is inclusive of means for controlling the position ofthe clutch actuating or manipulatng arm 92. One form of control means ofthe invention is illus-A trated in Figures l through 4. With particular.reference to Figure 4, there is illustrated a fitting or member y formedwith a shoulder or ledge 166 `and' a threaded portion 168. The ledgeportion 106 abuts the rear surface of the instrument panel of thevehicle and the threaded portion 108 extends through an opening in theinstrument panel and rezeives a securing nut 110 for retaining thefitting 195 in assembled relation with the instrument panel 10 or othersupporting means.

The iitting 105 is bored to slidably accommodate a clutch openatiug rod112 to one end of which is secured a manipulating knob or button 114.The opposite end zone of the rod is bent at right angles to the majorportion of the rod providing a portion 116 which extends through anopening or slots 117 formed in the depending portion 101 of the arm 92.

The opening 117 in the portion 101 of the control arm 92 is preferablyslightly elongated in the direction of the length of the portion 101. Itshould be noted in Figure 3, that the portion 116 of the manipulatingrod 112 is formed with pairs of swaged projections or ears 119 atdiametrically opposed zones, one of the pairs or" ears being shown inFigure 3. These ear portions are formed by distorting or swagingportions of the rod.

In assembling the rod 112 with the arm 151, the body portion of the rod112 is aligned with the depending portion 101 so that the projections orears 119 may enter the elongated regions of the slot 117. The portion116 of the rod is entered into the slot until the portion 161 of the armis disposed between the pairs of projections 119 as indicated in Figure3, after which the rod may be swung through an arc of approximately 90.1n this position, the projections or ears 119 prevent disassembly of theportion 116 with the control arm.

A-In the embodiment illustrated in Figures l through 4, the clutchcontrolling arm 92 is normally urged or biased toward a position inwhich the clutch roller is in wedging engagement between the block 88and the arcuate bar 7S under the influence of resilient means associatedwith the manipulating lrod 112. With particular reference to Figure 4, adisc or washer 121 is disposed upon the rod 112 and held in position bymeans of projections 122 swaged or formed by distorting the metal of therod 112.

Disposed between the tting 165 and the disc 121 is an expansive coilspring 123 which normally biases the rod 112 in a left-hand direction asviewed in Figures 1, 2 and 4. Movement of the rod 112 in a left-handdirection exerts pressure upon the arm 92 tending to rotate the same ina clockwise direction as viewed in Figure 2 about the axis of the stubshaft 74, thus urging the clutch roller 86 into wedging or leverretaining engagement between the block 88 and the bar 7S.

Formed on the fitting 165 is a laterally extending boss portion which isbored to accommodate a ball 126 forming a detent and an expansive coilspring 127. The interior of the bore in the boss 125 is threaded toaccommodate a screw or threaded plug 129` which holds the spring 127 incontact with the ball or detent 126 urging the latter toward the rod112. Formed in the rod is a circumferential recess or groove 130 whichis normally in the position shown in Figure 4 when the arm 92, under theinfluence of the spring 123, biases the clutch roller 86 into leverretaining position. A spring 135 engaging the arm 192 and lever 55 maybe employed, if desired, to supplement the spring 123.

The operation of the arrangement shown in Figures l through 4 is asfollows: when the operator of the vehicle desires to utilize the levermechanism or mechanism control member 55 as a parking brake, he merelyexerts foot pressure on the pad 57 swinging the lever construction 55 ina clockwise direction about its fulcrum 59. This action exerts a pullupon the cable 3S moving the latter in the sheath 40 and, through themedium of the member 36 and pin 34J swings the arm 32 and shaft 24 in adirection exerting a pull upon the rod 30 to set the vehicle brakes.

When the brakes have thus been set by movement of the lever 55, theclutch roller, under the influence of the expansive spring 123, isyurged into Wedging engagement between the surface 89 of the block 88and the upper arcuate surface of the bar 78 so as to frictionally retainthe lever construction 55 in brake set position.

When the operator desires to 'release the parking brake, he grasps theknob 114 and exerts a lengthwise pull upon the rod 112 in a right-handdirection as viewed in Figures l, 2 and 4, which movement causescounterclock- Wise rotation of the arm 92, moving the clutch roller outof wedging engagement with the block 88 and the bar 78. With the clutchroller in this position, the contractile force of the spring 42 actingthrough the cable 38 swings the lever construction 55 in acounterclockwise direction about its fulcrum 59 to brake-releaseposition.

In effecting a release of the clutch roller in the manner abovedescribed, only a comparatively small longitudinal movement of the rod112 is required, the movement being less than that necessary to bringthe groove or recess in-to alignment with the ball or detent 126. Shouldthe operator desire to utilize the lever arrangement 55 as a supplementto or in lieu of the service brake pedal 25, the clutch roller may bemoved to and held in an ineiective position.

To hold the clutch roller in ineffective position, the operator graspsthe knob 114 and moves the rod 112 a sufficient distance in a right-handdirection as viewed in Figure 4, until the recess 130 is in alignmentwith the detent or ball 126. The ball 126, being urged toward the rodunder the pressure of the spring 127, enters the recess 130 and thusprevents return movement of the rod 112.

The pressure of the ball in the recess 126 under the iniiuence of thespring 127 is suiicient to overcome the expansive pressure of the spring123 so that the clutch roller, through the medium of the arm 92, is heldin a position out of clutching engagement with the block 83 and bar 78.With the clutch roller moved to inecctive or declutching position, thelever 55 may be freely moved to brake setting posi-tion by pressure uponfoot pad 57 and returns to brake release position when foot pressure isremoved.

In order to restore the clutch means 86 to lever retaining position, theoperator merely pushes the knob 114 toward the instrument panel todisengage the ball or detent 126 from the recess 130, thus swinging thearm 192 in a clockwise direction as viewed in Figure 2 about its fulcrumto bias the clutch roller 86 into wedging engagement with the block 88and lthe curve bar 78.

Figures 5, 6 and 7 illustrate another form of control means forrendering the clutch means or clutch roller effective or ineiective. Inthis form of control arrangement, a tting is formed with a threadedportion 142 extending through an opening in the instrument panel 10. Anut 143 is threaded upon the portion 142 to hold the fitting securely tothe instrument panel.

The litting 140 is bored to accommodate a rod 145 which islongitudinally movable or slidable in the bore. One end zone of the rod145 is bent at right angles forming a portion 147 adapted to be receivedin the elongated slot 117' of the clutch controlling or actuating member92', Ithe portion 147 being prevented from lateral displacement by meansof projections 148 formed on the portion 147 in the same manner thatprojections 119 are formed on the portion 116 of the rod 112 shown inFigure 3.

A disc or washer 149 is disposed on the rod 145 and is anchored by meansof projections 150 formed on the rod. lgisposed between the disc 149 andthe portion 142 of the fitting 149 is an expansive coil spring 152 whichnormally exerts pressure in a left-hand direction as viewed in Fig. 5upon the arm or supplemental lever 92 urging the clutch roller towardclutching position in the same manner as illustrated in Figures 1through 3.

In this form of construction, longitudinal movement of the rod 145 maybe etected by direct pull or by com'- bined rotation and longitudinalmovement of a grip memberfor knob Y154 associated with theV rod. Thegrip member 154 is formed with a boss portion 156, the latter beingbored to receive an end zone of the rod 145. The boss portion 156 isprovided with a transverse bore in which is secured Ya pin 158. Thee'ndregion of the rod 145 extending into the boss 156 is formed with acircumferential recess or groove 159. The pin 158 extends into thegroove in the manner illustrated to prevent longi tudinal movement ofthe grip member 154 relative to the rod 145 yet permitting relativerotation between the member and rod.

The fitting 141) has a projecting portion formed with spirally shapedcam surfaces 161 and the boss portion 156 is formed with similarlyshaped spiral cam surfaces 162. TheV spiral cam configurations 161terminate at diametrically opposite zones in at portions or lands 163and 164. The spiral surfaces 162 terminate in diametrically opposed flatportions or lands 166 and 167. The tting 148 is provided with a stopmember or abutment 169, and the boss portion 156 of the grip member isprovided with an abutment 170.

When the components or elements of the construction are in the positionsshown in Figure 5, the expansive force of the spring 152 exerts pressureon the rod in a left-hand direction as viewed in Figure 5, biasing theclutch control arm 92 to a position urging the clutch roller intoclutching or wedging engagement with theV block 88 and the lbar 78 inthe manner illustrated in Figure 2. When the brake mechanism is to beutilized as a parking brake and the clutch means is adapted to hold thelever arrangement in brake set position, the elements are in theposition shown in Figure 5. Y

In this position the spiral surfaces 161 and 162, the lands or flatsurfaces 163 and 166, and the flat surfaces 164 and 165 are in engagingrelation as illustrated in Figure 5. Assuming that the lever arrangementsuch as that shown in Figure 1 equipped with the clutch control means ofFigures 5, 6 and 7 is in brake setting position, the operator mayrelease the lever retaining clutch by direct pull upon the rod 145 inthe right-hand direction as viewed in Figure 5.

A small longitudinal movement of the rod 145 in a right hand directiontilts or rotates the arm 92' a suiiicient amount to move the clutchroller 86 out of the wedging position With the block 88 and the bar 78permitting the lever construction to be returned to brake releaseposition under the influence of the contractile spring 42. When theoperator releases his grasp upon the member 154, the expansive pressureof the spring 152 returns the rod 145 to its maximum position in a lefthandpdirection as Viewed in Figure 5. Y

Should the operator desire to utilize the lever construction as aservice brake with the clutch maintained in ineective position, this maybe accomplished by rotation of the grip member 154 to the positionillustratedin Fig- .ure 6. Rotation of the grip member 1543 through anangle of about 180, brings the stop member 170 on the boss portion 156into engagement with the Vabutment 169 formed on the litting 149.

In this position, the lands or flat surface portions 4164. and 166Vformed on the litting 140 VandY the boss portion 156 respectively areengaged as shown in Figure 6 and maintain the rod 145 in clutchreleasing position. The rotation of the grip member 154 to the positionshown in Figures 6 and 7 moves the rod 145 lengthwise, cornprising thespring 152 and at the same time swings the clutch control lever92' to apositon retaining .the clutch roller out of clutching engagement. Y

The engagement of the at surfaces or lands ,164 and 166 asY shown inFigure 6serve to retainthefrod 145 in clutch-releasing position. WithVthe controlrod in the position shownV in Figure 6 the lever arrangementwith whichit isused may be freely movedV into .and out of brake settingand releasing position as the clutch roller 86 is rendered ineiective.

When the operator desires to utilize the lever construction as a parkingbrake actuator, the operator rotates the grip member 154 to the positionshown in Figure 5. This operation permits the spring 152 to exert abiasing force moving the rod to its extreme left-hand position andthrough the medium of the control member 92', the clutch roller is urgedtoward clutching position.

Figures 8 and 9 illustrate another form of control means for the leverretaining or clutch means, the arrangement including an L-shapedmounting bracket forming a support for the operating rod 177.

One leg 178 of the L-shaped bracket is secured to a flange 11 of theinstrument panel 10 by means of bolts 1 79 extending through openingsformed in the leg 178 bf the bracket and the ange 11. The depending leg180 of the bracket 175 is formed at its end zone with a hinge curlconfiguration 182, the internal diameter being of a size to slidablyreceive the clutch control rod 177.

A disc or washer 184 disposed on the rod 177 is positioned by means ofprojections 185 swaged or formed on the rod. An expansive coil spring186 is disposed between the hinge curl portion 182 and the disc 184 fornormally urging or biasing the control rod 'n1 a left-hand direction asviewed in Figure 8 toward clutch-engaging position. The control rod 177is equipped with a manipulating knob or grip member 187 secured to therod by a pin 188.

The arrangement shown in Figures 8 and 9 is provided with means forholding the rod 177 in clutch releasing position. The depending portion180 of the bracket 175 is formed with a pair of spaced openings 190arranged or adapted to receive leg portions 191 of a U-shaped zone of arod retaining member 192, the leg portions being connected by a portion194.

The member 192 may be formed of spring wire or the like and is inclusiveof a portion 195 which extends into a slot 197 formed in the hinge curlconguration 182 of the bnacket 175. The portion 195 is tensioned orstressed to frictionally engage the surface of thercontrol rod 177. Aleg portion or projection 198, is bent during assembly of the member 192with the bracket 175 from the broken line position indicated in Figure 9to the full line position whereby the member 192 is securely interlockedor fastened to the bracket 17 5.

As particularly shown in Figure 8, the rod 177 .is formed with acircumferential recess or groove 199. The groove 199 is of `a dimensionto receive the leg Vportion 195 when the rod is moved to bring thevgroove into registration With the leg portion 195 by longitudinalmovement of the rod 177.

In Figure 8, the rod 177 is normally biased under the influence of thespring 186 to a position urging the clutch roller, associated with thecontrol arm 92 with which the rod 177 may be connected, toward leverretaining or clutching position. In this position of the control rod 177and associated elements, the pedal ylever arrangement 55 when moved tobrake-setting position is held by the clutch in such position.

When the operator desires to release the clutch in order to release theparking brake, a longitudinal pull in a righthand direction is exertedupon the rod 177, which movement of the rod swings the clutch controllever 92 in a counterclockwise direction effecting a release of theclutch roller with the block 88 and bar 78, the spring 42 returning thelever arrangement to brake released position.

lf it is desired to utilize the lever arrangement 55 as a service brakewhen combined with the clutch control of Figure 8, the lever retainingclutch maybe rendered ineffective by exerting a pull upon the rod 177 inarighthand direction -asviewed in FigureS until the recessor groove 199is in registration with the detent or leg 195 of the member 192. Theportion 195 enters the groove and 9 under the stress or tension in theportion 195 urging the same toward the rod 177, the latter is thus heldin clutch release position.

The stress biasing the detent 95 into the groove is of sufficientmagnitude to overcome the expansive force of the spring 186 vso that theclutch roller is held in ineffective position. 1n order to restore theclutch roller into clutching position, the operator pushes the knob 157in a left-hand direction as viewed in Figure 8 to disengage the detent195 from the groove 199.

Another form of control means for the lever retaining means or clutchroller is illustrated in Figures l and 11. Disposed beneath the flange11 of the instrument panel 10 is a tube or tubular element 201preferably formed of sheet metal having a comparatively thin Wall.

An end zone of the tubular member or element 201 is telescoped into thebight portion of a U-shaped member or clamp 202. The clamp 202 is formedwith laterally projecting ears or tabs 203, Ithe projections 203 and theflange 11 of the instrument panel being formed with registering openingsreceiving bolts 204 for securing the tubular element 201 in tixedrelation and supported by the instrument panel 10.

A control rod 205 extends through the tubular element 201, an endthereof being anged inwardly as at 207 forming a guide for the rod 205.The rod 205 is provided with a washer or disc 206 which is positioned bymeans of ears or projections 209 swaged or distorted from the metal ofthe rod `as shown in Figure 10. Disposed between the disc 206 and theange 207 is an expansive coil spring 210.

The expansive spring 210 serves to normally bias the rod 205 in aleft-hand direction as viewed in Figure 10, and as the rod is adapted tobe connected to a clutch control arm or lever 92, the clutch rollerassociated with the arm 92 is biased toward wedging or lever retainingposition.

The Walls of the element 201 are formed with dametrically opposed slotsor kerfs 212. A rod retaining member 214 of the general conlguration ofa hairpin is formed with leg portions 216 which extend into the recessesor kerfs 212 formed in the element 201. A central zone 218 at the bightportion of the member 214 is congurated as shown in Figure l1 to engagethe peripheral surface of the tubular element 201V in order to properlyposition the member 214 with respect to the tube 201.

The leg portions 216 of member 214 are inherently tensioned or stressedtoward each other to frictionally engage the peripheral surface of therod 205 in the manner illustrated in Figure l1. The lower end zones 220of the leg portions are bent to the coniguration shown in Figure 1l inorder to prevent displacement of the member 214 in an upward directionas viewed in Figure l1.

The control rod 205 is formed with a circumferential groove or recess222. When the control rod 205 is moved by the operator in a right-handdirection by manipulation of a knob or hand grip (not shown), the groove222 is brought into registration with the leg portions 216 which enterthe groove at diametrically opposite zones and serve to hold the controlrod in its righthand position.

The biasing force of the leg portions 216 toward the rod 205 is sucientto overcome the expansive force of the spring 210 and, through themedium of the clutch control lever or arm 92, the clutch is held inineffective position so that the lever construction 55 may be utilizedas a service brake. In order to render the clutch of the lever mechanismeiective to hold the pedal lever construction 55 in brake settingposition, the operator simply moves the control rod 205 in a left-handdirection as viewed in Figure l0 to disengage the leg portions 216 fromthe groove 222.

Figure l2 illustrates a modiiied form of lever or brake actuatorconstruction and Figures 12 through 17 illustrate a modied form ofcontrol means for the lever retaining means or clutch member. In thisform, a lever construction 225 formed of sheet metal sections of thegeneral character of the type shown in Figures 2 and 3 is fulcrumed upona bracket or support 226 by means of a stub shaft or rivet 22S. A clevis230 secured to the lever construction by means of a stub shaft or rivet232 is connected with a brake operating cable 38.

An arcuately shaped bar 234 is formed with an enlarged circular head 236arranged to be received in a recess formed in the support 226 in amanner similar to that illustrated in Figure 2. A butler or abutment isprovided in the form of a sheet metal member covered with rubber 240 orcushioning material and is secured in place by means of a stub shaft orrivet 242 which extends through an opening in the enlarged head portion236 of the arcuate bar 234. The cushion, shock absorber or abutment 240is adapted to be engaged by a pad portion 244 formed on the leverconstruction 225 When the latter is in brake release position.

A clutch retaining means or roller 246 of the same construction as theroller S6 shown in Figures 2 and 3 is disposed adjacent the upper curvedsurface of the bar 234 and is arranged to cooperate with the saidsurface and with the lower surface of an abutment or block 248 supportedin the upper end zone of the lever construction 225. Mso supported onthe lever construction is an abutment or roller 250 supported upon astub shaft or rivet 252 and engaging the lower surface of bar 234.

A clutch manipulating member 255 is formed with a U-shaped portion 257,the leg portions of which straddle the upper Zone of the lever. A rivetor stub shaft 252 extends through openings in the leg portions of member255 and the lever sections providing a fulcrum or pivotal support forthe clutch control member 255.

In the arrangement shown in Figure l2, the manipulating rod 260 forcontrolling the operation of the clutch or lever retaining means 246 isdirectly supported upon means carried by the bracket 226. A supplementalbracket or supporting member 262 is secured to the main support 226 bymeans of rivets 264. The bracket 262 is formed of sheet metal and isprovided with a portion 266 extending in substantial parallelism withthe manipulating rod 260 and at its forward Zone is formed with adepending portion 267.

The depending portion 267 is formed with an opening to receive a rubbergrommet 26S, the latter having an opening to slidably receive Iand guidethe manipulating rod 260. Die manipulating rod 260 is provided at itsouter end with a manipulating knob or grip member 269.

The portion 266 of the supplemental support or bracket 262 is ofsemi-annular configuration as shown in Figures l5 and l7. Nested in thetrough-like configuration formed by the serni-annular portion 266 is acylindrical fitting or guide member 272 which is secured to the portion266 by means of a screw 274.

Disposed upon the manipulating rod 260 are spaced washers or discs 276and 277, the disc 276 being positioned upon the rod 260 by means of earportions 27S formed by swaging diametrically opposite zones of the rod260 as illustrated in Figures 13 and 14. Disposed between the discs orwashers 276 and 277 is an expansive coil spring 280 which normally urgesor biases the manipulating rod 260 in a left-hand direction as viewed inFigures l2, 13 and 14 urging the control member 255 in a clockwisedirection about its fulcrum as viewed in Figure l2 to bring the clutchretaining means 246 into clutching engagement with the bar 234 and theblock 243 to hold the lever construction 225 in brake-setting oradjusted position.

The iitting 272 is formed with a bore to slidably accommodate themanipulating rod 260. The tting 272 is formed with an internal annulargroove or recess 282 in which is disposed a partial ring-shaped member284 which mayV be formed of spring wire or the like. The manipulatingrod 260 is formed with an annularV recess or groove 286. When the rod260 is moved in a righthand direction as viewed in Figures 12 through14, to a position in registration with the recess 282, the ringshapedmember 284, which is tensioned or stressed to contract around the rod260, moves into or extends partially into the recess 286 in the mannershown in Figures 16 and 17. V

f In this` position the manipulating rod moves the clutch controllingarm 255 in a counter-clockwise direction as viewed in Figure l2 aboutits fulcrum 252 to move the lever retaining means or clutch 246 out offrictional or wedging engagement between the upper surfaceof the arcuatebar 234- and the block 248 so that the lever member or construction 225is free to be moved to any position as the locking mechanism is renderedineffective.

When the operator desires to restore the clutch means 246 to operativeor lever locking position, the grip member 269 is pushed inwardly i.e.in a left-handY direction as viewedrin Figures 12 and 13, which movementcarries the manipulating rod 260 to a position wherein the connection ofthe rod 260 with the arm 255 is virtually at the axis of the fulcrum 228of the lever construction with the clutch roller 246 in frictionalengagement withithe bar 234 and the block 248.

The expansive force of the spring 280 acting through the rod 260 urgesthe clutch control member 255 to a position bringing the clutch roller246 into effective lever retaining position. The spring 268 maybesupplemented by an auxiliary spring (not shown) such as the spring 74shown in Figure 2 to bias the clutch controlling arm 255 toward laposition engaging the clutch roller 246 with the clutching surfaces ofthe bar 234 and theV block 248,

The leg portions of member 255 are formed with slots 288 as shown inFigure l2 to accommodate tenon portions on the clutch roller 246 in themanner illustrated in Figure 2 whereby pivotal movement of the clutchcontrol arm 255 controls the position of the clutch roller 246 withrespect to the lever 225. The tenons on the clutch roller 246 extendinto enlarged openings (not shown) in the lever construction toaccommodate movement of the clutch roller 246 with respect to the block24S and the bar 234. In this arrangement of the invention, themanipulating means is carried by the lever supp'ort 226 independent ofthe instrument panel.

Figures 18 through 20 illustrate a lever and clutch construction whereina clutch manipulating rod is adapted toV be pushed inwardly toward thelever construction in order to hold the clutch means in ineffectiveposition. The lever member or lever arrangement 300, which is similar tothe lever construction 55 shown in Figure 2,

Vis pivoted or fulcrumed upon a support or bracket 302 by means of astub shaft or rivet 304. The bracket 302 is provided with an arcuatelyshaped arm 306 havingan enlarged circular head portion 307 enclosedwithin a suitable circularly shaped recess formed in a uniplanearportion of the support 302.

The lever construction is formed with a rectangular block 310 and anabutment or roller 312 carried upon a rivet or stub shaft 314. A clutchroller 316, disposed in suitable clearance openings in the side walls ofthe lever construction 300, is adapted for wedging of frictionalengagement between the upper arcuate surface of the bar 336 and thelower surface of the block 310 for holding the lever 300 in adjusted orbrake-setting positions. The cable 38" connected to the brake mechanismis secured to a clevis 318 which is pivotally connected to the leverconstruction 300 by means of a shaft or rivet 320.

Pivotally supported upon the rivet or stub shaft 314 lis a supplementallever or clutch control arm 324 which is similar in construction to thecontrol arm 255 shown in Figure 12. The clutch control arm 324 is formedwith a U-shaped portion 326, the leg portions of which are providedrwithslotsr323 to accommodate tenons 329 formed 0n aflever retaining means316.1V As will be obvious from Figure 18, a clockwise moyementfofthe-arm 324moves the' clutch roller or lever retaining means 316 intofrictional or wedging engagement between the-arcuate bar 306 and thelower surface of the block 310, which action holds the leverconstruction 300 inrany position of adjustment. Y

Pivotally'or articulately supported intermediate its ends upon theportion 308 of the support 302 by means of a rivet or stub shaft 330 isan arm or lever 332.V One end of the arm 332 is connected by means of alink or rod 334 with the depending portion 325 of the'clutch control arm324 adjacent the fulcrum of the lever 300. The end lzones of the rod 334are bent at right angles to the major or body portion of the rod andextend into openings formed in the arm 332 and the depending portion 325of member 324. The rod 334 is held in, cooperative relation with thearms 324 and 332 by means of projections 333 formed on the rod in themanner of the projections 119 shown in Figure3.' c l V`Amanipulating rod340'is connected to the opposite end zone of the arm 332 by means of aportion 342 bent at right angle's'to the major 0r body portion of therod 340. One form of rod guiding means'land the arrangement for holdingthe rod in clutch releasing position is yillustrated in Figure 20.Y Thearrangement shown in Figure'Z() is similar to thatshown in Figure 13,except that the rod 340 is biased in a right-hand direction by springmeans.

Secured to the portion 308 of the support 302 is asheet metal bracket ormember 344 held to the support by means of rivets '346. The bracket 344isl formed with a portion 346 extending in substantial parallelism withthe rod 340 and'is of a cross-sectional configuration similar to thatshown at 266 in Figure 17. Nested in the troughshaped conguration ofmember or portion 346 is a fitting 348 secured to the portion 346 bymeans of a screw 350. *The tting 348 is formed with a bore toslidablyreceive and guide the manipulating member 340, the latter being providedwith a grip portion 341 for manipulating the rod. A rubber grommet 352is contained in Vau opening formed in a depending portion 354 of thebracket 344 and serves as guiding means for the rodV 340. The tting 348is formed with an interior circular recess 356 in which is disposed aspring clip or member 358 of construction similar to the clip 284 shownin Figure 17. Y

The rod 340 is also formed with a peripheral recess 360, which, uponinward or left-hand movement Yofthe rod 340 'as viewed in Figure 20,will be moved' into Vregistration withV the spring clip or retainingmember 358 to hold the rod 340 in such position. This movement swingsvthe arm 324,*carried by the lever 300, about its pivo-t314 in acounter-clockwise direction` to move thev leve-rf retaining means orVclutch 316V to an ineffective position vin which the lever 300 may befreely moved to any position.

Y Disposed on the rod 340 isa washer or disc 362 held in position bymeans of projections 364 swaged'or distorted outwardly from the metal ofthe rod 340. Disposed between the discV 362 Yand the tting 348 is anexpansive coil spring 366 which normally biases the rod 340 to itsextreme right-hand position as viewed in Figure 20. In this position,through the intermediary of Ythe afm 332, the clutch control arm 324 isresiliently biased or urged to a position carrying the clutch member orlever retainingV means 316 into effective position between the, arcuatebar 306 and the block`310 whereby the lever construction 300 will beautomatically retained in brake-set position.

AThe arm 324 is normally biased to brake setting position through theexpansive force of the spring 366.V lt is to be understood that, ifdesired, afsupplementalsp'ringmay be provided incooperau'verelationlwith the arm324 and the lever construction 300 in the manner ofthe spring 74 shown in Figure 2, however the spring 366 is adequate tobias the mechanism toward an effect-ive'position of the clutch 316. kArubber buier or cushion 370 `may be "se- 13 cured to the bracket 302 bymeans of rivets 372 and is adapted to be engaged by the lever 300 inbrake-released position.

It will be obvious from the foregoing that the construction shown inFigures 18 through 20 is such that the rod 340 is adapted to be pushedtoward the lever arrangement in order to move the clutch 316 to anineiective position, the recess 316 being moved into registration withthe spring clip 358, the latter moving partially into the recess to hold.the rod 340 in a left-hand position as shown in Figure 20. Tothereafter render the clutch effective, the operator grasps the knob 341and moves the rod 340 in a right-hand direction to disengage the clip358 of the recess 360.

The clutch control mechanisms shown in Figures 8 through 11 may be usedin conjunction with an arm 322 and link 334 to reverse the action of thecontrol rods 177 and 205. When used in this manner the grooves 199 and212 in the control rods are formed at the opposite sides of the rodretaining members 192 and 214, and the biasing springs 186 and 210disposed so as to normally urge the rods inthe opposite direction.

It is apparent that, within the scope of the invention, modications anddiiferent arrangements may be made other than is herein disclosed, andthe present disclosure is illustrative merely, the inventioncomprehending all variations thereof.

I claim:

1. Mechanism control including, in combination, a support, afoot-operated lever articulately mounted on said support, a leverretaining surface associated with said `support, detent means disposedadjacent said lever engageable with the surface for holding the lever inadjusted position, an arm articulately supported by the lever andmovable therewith, a control means for the detent means including a rod,means for supporting the rod whereby movement of the rod is transmittedto the arm for controlling the position of said detent means relative tosaid surface, resilient means associated with said rod for normallybiasing the detent means into lever retaining engagement with thesurface, and means engageable With the rod for retaining said rod in aposition rendering said detent means ineffective, said last named meansincluding cam means associated with the rod supporting means, and meanson the rod arranged to cooperate with said cam means.

2. Mechanism control including, in combination, a support, afoot-operated lever mounted for articulate movement relative to thesupport, means disposed adjacent the lever adapted to retain the leverin various positions of adjustment, a member having operative connectionwith said lever retaining means, resilient means normally biasing saidlever retaining means toward lever retaining position, a control rodadapted for longitudinal movement to eiect release of the leverretaining means, and means rotatable about the longitudinal axis of therod to hold said lever retaining means in lever releasing position.

3. Mechanism control including, in combination, a support, a footoperated lever articulately mounted on said support, detent engagingsurfaces associated with said support and said lever, means associatedwith the lever and engageable with said surfaces for retaining the leverin various positions of adjustment, a member movably supported upon saidlever and having operative connection with said means, means for movingsaid member independently of the lever including a control rod, meanseffective to bias the member to move the `means into lever retainingengagement with said surfaces, means for supporting the control rod forlengthwise movement of the rod, a rotatable element disposed adjacentthe control rod, and means cooperating with the rotatable elementcausing lengthwise movement of the control rod upon rotation of therotatable element.

4. Mechanism control including, in combination, a support, a footoperated lever articulately mounted on said support, detent meansassociated with the lever, said support and said lever being providedwith surfaces adapted to be engaged by the detent means for retainingthe lever in various positions of adjust-ment, a member movablysupported upon said lever and having operative connection with saiddetent means, means for moving said member independently of the leverincluding a control rod, means eifective to bias the member to move thedetent means into lever retaining engagement with said surfaces, meansfor supporting the control rod for lengthwise movement of the rod, amanipulating knob on the control rod, and means on said knob cooperatingWith the rod supporting means whereby said rod is moved lengthwise byrotation of the knob.

5. Mechanism control including, in combination, a support, afoot-operated lever mounted for articulate movement relative to thesupport, lever retaining means disposed adjacent the lever adapted tohold the lever in various positions of adjustment, resilient meansnormally biasing said lever retaining means toward lever-retainingposition, a longitudinally movable control rod having operativeconnection with the lever retaining means, and cam means cooperatingwith said rod and rotatable about the longitudinal axis of the rod toeffect release of the Ilever retaining means.

References Cited in the le of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS1,606,144 Cavanagh Nov. 9, 1926 1,813,286 Gewalt July 7, 1931 2,299,508Skareen Oct. 20, 1942 2,308,898 Skareen Jan. 19, 1943 2,309,454 HellerJan. 26, 1943 2,467,557 Jandus Apr. 19, 1949 2,531,130 Jandus Nov. 21,1950 2,587,725 Hinsey Mar. 4, 1952 2,671,354 Goos Mar. 9, 1954 2,694,945Jandus Nov. 23, 1954 2,781,117 McLeod Feb. 12, 1957 2,818,747 Rich Ian.7, 1958 2,835,140 Cox May 20, 1958 2,851,900 Powell Sept. 16, 19582,872,830 Hinsey Feb. 10, 1959

